Jim Flanagan began his aviation career like many of us at the time... the military. Jim enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1967. Jim was a Sergeant/Aviation Technician in Viet Nam until 1970 and continued his work on many aircraft at Kincheloe AFB in Michigan until 1971.

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Jim arrived at Antilles Air Boats in January 1972 as an A&P mechanic but soon took on new duties in the cockpit. In 1974, with the Ansett Sandringhams being added to the AAB fleet, Jim went to Sydney to not only prepare the flying boats for ferry but took on the role of flight engineer. 1974 also saw the arrival of the G-73 Grumman Mallard which Jim started flying the right seat. It wasn't long before Jim was sitting in the right seat of  "Southern Cross", the Sandringham that flew the Caribbean as well as in Ireland and the U.K.

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Both the military and the work at AAB was great training for what was to come next.

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Jim Flanagan continued his aviation career which had him flying to and from countries around the world (extensive experience in Europe, Africa, Mideast, Central & South America and Asia).

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From the early years of turning a wrench to the left seat in the B747-400, his 46 years in this industry was one of a serious professional. Jim is the guy you wanted at the controls as well as the guy you wanted to call... friend.

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